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Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby expects to be back for playoffs

By Staff, The Sports Xchange

Posted:
04/25/2013 12:58:35 PM EDT

Referee Ian Walsh tries to help Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby who was hit in the face with a puck in the first period of their NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 30, 2013. (By Jason Cohn, Reuters)

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby is hoping to return for the playoffs, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Crosby hasn't played since March 30, when a deflected shot broke his jaw. He's expected to seek medical clearance Thursday or Friday to resume playing, which could put him on track for Game 1 of the postseason. Though the schedule has yet to be released, the Penguins will open at home, likely on Wednesday.

Team officials and the coaching staff would also like to see Crosby practice with teammates before inserting him into a game.

Upon his return, Crosby will likely wear a plastic shield as protection.

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